Coating machine



Sept. 12, 1944.

COATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Shet 1 ATTORhiEY-S R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,357,845

Sept. 12, 1944.

COATING IACHINE Filed Sept. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNVENTOR Mg wim A'ITORN EYS R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,357,845 7 COATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORN-EYS Sept 1944. R. E. J. NORDQUIS-T COATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I I I I I I I I I l I O I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I a I I I I I I I I I I v INVENTOR MZM ATTO NEYS.

p 1944.- R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,357,845

COATING MACHINE Filed Sept. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 G a 7/ M 7 INVENTOR. 7/ M BYUZMOQ AZMW ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 12, 1944 I 2,357,846 ooa'rmo MACHINE Ronald E. J. Nordquist,Maplewood, N. .L, assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application September 17, 1941, Serial No. 411,241

10 Claims.

The present invention relates to a coating machine for'applying a film of fluid coating substance to a web of material passed between a pressure roller and an applying roller operating in the bath of the coating substance and relates more particularly to the provision of means for electrically heating the coating substance, for example a thermoplastic adhesive, so as to maintain the same in proper fluid condition for application to a moving web of fibrous or other material.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a coating machine, preferably for applying a heated fluid thermoplastic adhesive to predetermined portions of a moving web of fibrous material, wherein such a web is passed between a pressure roller and an applying roller, and wherein provision is made for controlled electrical heating of the applying rollerwhile the machine is in operation as well as when the machine is temporarily shut down.

A further object of the invention is to provide in such a machine, controlled electricai heating means incorporated in the walls of the tank or reservoir for holding the molten coating material in order to maintain such thermoplastic substance in the desired fluid condition for application to the moving web.

A further object is to provide in a machine of the character described, automatic means which are periodically operated to electrically heat predetermined portions of the machine when the latter is temporarily out of operation, so as to maintain the temperature and fluid consistency in a desirable condition thus rendering the machine capable of immediate use when it is desired to renew operation after being temporarily shut down. This constitutes a distinct economical advantage and time saving factor since the present improvements obviate loss of time otherwise required to bring the coating substance or adhesive into the desired fluid or molten condition for application to the moving web of material.

A further object is to provide in. a coating machine of this character, adjustable electrically operated devices so that heating of the machine parts during the shut down may be varied as desired so as to conform readily to particular conditions of operation.

A still further object is to provide in a coating machine of the described character, means for; conveniently connecting the machine to a source of electrical energy, so that the connection may be readily broken when it is desired to shut down the machine for an indefinite period or for the purpose of making adjustments or replacements thereon. or when it is desired to partially or entirely clean the machine.

The invention further contemplates provision of means for compensating for expansion and contraction of certain operative parts as a result of temperature changes and heat variations during operation as well as when the machine is temporarily shut down. 4

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent asit is better understood from the following description, which taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of the machineembodying the instant invention with partsbroken away and other parts shown in horizontal section;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine as viewed from the left side of Fig. 1, this view being taken from a position indicated generally by the line 2-4 of the latter figure;

Fig. 3 is a detailed transverse vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, taken through the machine substantially on the section line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view through the machine on line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged vertical sectional views through the applying roller showing certain of the electrical installations therein and connections therewith, these views when arranged end to end constituting a complete section through the entire roller including its oppositely disposed supported portions, as shown for example in elevation and upon the reduced scale of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 in Fig. l; and

Fig. 9 is a wiring diagram of the electric apparatus used in the machine.

As a preferred embodiment of the invention a strip A of web material, such as fibre or the like, and illustrated in dot and dash lines in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, is imprinted with the thermoplastic adhesive applied in a desired pattern as the web is advanced through the machine. The strip or web A may be substantially continuous and may be fed into and from the machine in any suitable manner.

While in the machine, the web A is fed by upper and lower cooperating rollers between which the web passes. These rollers constitute an adhesive applying roller N (Fig. 4) and a pressure roller l2 mounted one above the other. The pressure roller serves to press the moving web against the applying roll During its travel through the machine the web is held taut by an idler roller i3.

The adhesive applying roller H is preferably of the intaglio type and rotates in a bath of electrically heated thermoplastic adhesive maintained in liquid form, which adhesive is picked up by the roller and carried thereby toward the web as the roller revolves. All of this picked-up adhesive with the exception of that contained within the pockets or intaglio recesses of the roller, is scraped ofi by a doctor blade l5 (Fig. 4) which bears upon the periphery of the intaglio roller. It is this retained adhesive which is applied to the moving web in accordance with the pattern laid out or etched upon the surface of the intaglio roller The applying or intaglio roller ll includes opposite longitudinally disposed trunnions 2| (Figs. 6 and 7) which are journaled in suitable bearing blocks carried by opposite sidewall portions 22 of an open top reservoir tank or receptacle 23 for holding the heated adhesive coating material within which latter the intaglio roller rotates while partially submerged. The tank or reservoir 23 is in turn carried between appropriate machine side frame members 24d mounted on or constituting an integral part of the machine main frame 24, which latter includes spaced tank supporting elements or members indicated at 25 in Figs. 3', 4 and 5.

The adhesive within the tank 23 is maintained in a hot fluid condition, preferably by heating elements l8 (Fig. 4) disposed in grooves l9 formed in the side walls 22 and in the bottomof the tank. The heating elements are smaller than the groove in which they are located and the surrounding space is filled with a rapid heat conducting material, such as aluminum, so the elements will be imbedded. The grooves are of dovetail crosssection to hold the imbedded elements in place. The side walls and bottom of the tank are surrounded bya suitable casing 26, portions of which are spaced as illustrated from the adjacentwalls of the tank to enclose the terminals of the heating elements.

The pressure roller l2 which holds the web of fibrous material A in tangential engagement with the periphery of the adhesive applying intaglio roller II is formed with oppositely disposed projecting trunnions 21 which are journaled in suitable bearings provided in vertically movable slide members 28 carried in slideways 29 formed in or carried by oppositely disposed members of the machine frame 24.

This movable mounting of the pressure roller |2 permits the same to be moved vertically within limits relative to the adhesive applying intaglio roller A hood member 30 is secured to'themachine frame and this extends over the upper portion of the pressure roller i2. An exhaust pipe or stack 3| with which the hood communicates, permits the escape of heat, fumes or gases from the adhesive receptacle or reservoir 23.

The pressure roller I2 is rotated in unison with the intaglio adhesive applying roller II and for this purpose a pair of meshing gears 32, 33 (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) is mounted on the respective roller trunnions 2| and 21. Hence as the intaglio roller rotates, it-also revolves the pressure roller |2 in time therewith and preferably at the same peripheral speed for uniformly feeding the fibre web A therebetween.

One of the trunnions 2| of the intaglio roller II is also provided with a rigidly mounted gear 34 by means of which rotation of the roller i in the adhesive bath is effected. The gear as meshes with and is driven by a pinion 35 secured to one end of an auxiliary drive shaft 36 journaled in a bearing 31 formed in a gear casing 38 bolted to the machine frame 24.

Within the gear easing 38,-the shaft '38 carries at its outer end a gear 39 which meshes with a lower gear 4| (Fig. 8) on a short shaft 42 journaled in bearings 43 formed in the gear casing. The shaft carries a bevel pinion 44 which meshes with a bevel pinion 45 secured to a main drive shaft 46 (Figsjl and 2). The drive shaft is journaled in a bearing 41 in the gear casing 38 and also in a bearing 48 in a bracket member 49 secured to the machine frame 24. The main drive shaft 46 may be rotated by external power in any suitable manner.

Provision is made for heating the int lio roller I H to prevent chilling of the adhesive as it is carried up onto the web A. For this purpose the body of the roller is constructed preferably of high heat conducting metallic material and is formed on its peripheral surface with spiral grooves 56 for the reception of electric heating devices. The outer periphery of the body of the roller is enclosed by a smooth heat conducting steel sheath 5?.

The drawings show three spiral grooves 56 in the roller H and in each groove there is an electric heating unit 58. Each unit 58 is embedded in aluminum in its groove and in the same manner/as the heating elements i8 in the walls of the tank 23, so that rapid heating of the roller will be facilitated. The heating units also extend through the roller trunnions 2|.

Adjacent the outer end of one of the trunnions Z I, each unit 58 is secured to a separate collector ring 6|. There are three of these rings and they are secured to an insulating sleeve 62 mounted on the trunnion. These collector rings revolve with the roller and are in electric contact with three sets of carbon brushes, 65, 96, 6'1, there being one brush for each ring.

The brushes are stationary and are carried on astud member 68 suitably secured by a nut 69 to a stationary cup-shaped housing member II. The housing member is secured to the gear casing 38. The brushes are connected by lead wires 13, 14, 15 to a suitable source of electric energy as will be fully explained in connection with the three phase "wiring diagram in Fig. 9. At the outer end of the opposite trunnion 2| of the roller H, the three heating units 58 are joined together in a plate 18 (Fig. '7).

Provision is made for regulating the temperature of the intaglio roller H as it is heated by the heating units 58. For this purpose thereis a temperature control expansion bulb 8| (Figs. 6 and 7) located in a pocket 82 in the roller. The bulb is connected to a capillary tube 83 which extends through the roller trunnion 2| and which leads to and operates a thermostat electric switch 84 located inside a casing '85 formed on the outer end of the roller trunnion. This casing rotates with the roller trunnion.

The thermostat switch 84 is connected by lead wires 81, 88 to a pair of collector rings 9|, 92 which are secured to an insulating sleeve 93 mounted on a trunnion extension 94 secured to the outer end of the roller trunnion 2|. The collector rings contact with a pair of stationary carbon brushes 96, 91 having lead wires 98, 99

which form parts of circuits included in the wir- Ins diagram hereinbefore mentioned. The brushes are carried on a stud IIII secured in a stationary housing I32. The housing surrounds the outer end of the trunnion 2| and is secured to the machine frame 24. A removable cover plate I 83 is provided for closing the open end of the housing. 7

Reference should now be had to the wiring diagram in Fig. 9. The diagram discloses a three wire or three phase system of electric circuits which transmit electric energy from any suitable source of such energy such asa three phase generator III. Energy flows from the generator along three lead wires H2, H3, H4, through a service switch H and into the primary side II8 of a transformer II1.

When the service switch H5 is closed, electric energy from the generator III also excites an electric motor I2I which constitutes the main source of power for operating the machine. The motor is connected by lead wires I22, I23, I24 to the respective generator wires H2, H3, H4. A start and stop switch I23 is connected into the lead wires I22, I23, I24 so that the motor may be stopped without affecting the heating element circuits.

Electric energy introduced into the transformer primary H8 is induced into a Y connected secondary I25 having three legs I28, I21, I28, one for each phase of the three wire system. One end of each of the phase legs is connected to a common terminal I29.

Electric energy for the heating elements I8 in the sides 22 and in the bottom of the adhesive tank 23 is obtained from the transformer secondary I25. For thispurpose the heating elements I8 in one side of the tank are assays I, and will now be explained.

connected in parallelto a lead wir I which connects with the outer end of the phase leg I28,

and with a common lead wire I38 which connects with the central terminal I23 of the secondary. This constitutes a complete circuit through which electric energy induced into the transformer secondary flows through the heating elements and heats them and the tank to maintain the adhesive in a fluid condition.

In the same manner the heating elements I8 in the opposite side wall of the tank 23 receive electric energy from the transformer secondary. These elements are connected in parallel to the common lead wire I38 and to a lead wire I38 which connects with the outer end of the secondary phase leg I28.

- The heating elements I8 in the bottom of the tank are similarly connected to the common lead wire I38 and to a lead wire I38 which connects with the outer end of the I21.

The transformer secondary I25 also supplies electric energy to the heating elements 58 in the intaglio roller II. It is preferred that this energy be adjustable so that the temperature of the roller may be regulated as desired. It is also preferred to maintain the heating elements at a lower temperature when the machine is standing idle.

Hence two circuits are provided for the elements 58. Onecircuit is directly connected for the lower temperature and the other for the operating or higher temperature and includes an adjustable autotransformer or rheostat I42 for varying the voltage across the heating units.

There are three of the rheostats I42. onefor each phase of the three phase wiring system-dissecondary phase leg The low temperature or direct connected circuit includesa wire I43 which is connected to a tap I44 located intermediate the length of the transformer leg I28. The wire I43 connects with a normally closed electric switch I45. This switch is connected by a wire I48 to the wire 13 which leads into one of the heating elements 58. Electric energy passing along this circuit heats the element and returns by way of the element connecting plate 18 and by way of one of the other heating elements 58 and along wires and a switch similar to those just described but connecting with one of the other transformer legs I21 or I28.

The high temperature or operating circuit includes a wire. I5I which connects the outer end of the transformer leg I28 to one end of a circular shaped coil I52 of the rheostat I42. The opposite end of the coil is connected by a return wire I53 to a tap I54 on the transformer leg.

The rheostat is provided with a voltage adjustby a wire I51 to a, normally open electric switch I58. The switch in turn is connected by a wire I53 to the wire 13 which leads into one of the heating elements 58 in the adhesive applying intaglio roller I I.

When the switch I58 is closed, electric energy from the transformer secondary I25 flows from the phase leg I28 along wire I5I, coil I52 to the rheostat arm I88, along this arm, wire I51, closed switch I58, wires I58, 13 into the heating element 58 or the roller. The circuit is completed through the connecting plate 18 and thence through one of the other heating elements 58 and through the wires and rheostat which connect the second element to its particular phase leg I21 or I28 of the transformer secondary, as clearly illustrated in the wiring diagram. Y

Closing of the normally open switch I58 to bring the heating elements 58 to the higher operating temperature is effected by control circuits which are established by the closing of the machine starting switch I28 which sets the motor I2I in operation. One of these control circuits includes a normally open electric switch I8I which is controlled by a relay solenoid I82. The solenoid is connected by wires I83, I84 to therespective lead wires I23, I24 of the motor I2I. Hence when the motor I2I is thrown into operation,

thus closes the switch I58 while simultaneously opening the normally closed switch I45. The heating elements are thus transferred from the low temperature heating circuit to the high temperature circuit for the normal operation of the machine.

When the machine stops for any reason, the solenoid I62 becomes deenergized and this opens the control switch I6I. Opening of this control switch breaks the control circuit and deenergizes the solenoid I68. This opens the switch I58 and closes the switch I45 thereby returning the heating elements'to the low-temperature circuit. The low temperature is so selected that when the heating elements are returned to it, the heat supplied to the adhesive applying intaglio roller will be slightly less than that required to take care of heat radiation losses. Under this condition, the intaglio roller will gradually lose some of its heat.

In order to maintain the temperature Of the idle intaglio roller in proximity to its operating temperature for quick starting, the heating elements 58 are periodically reconnected to the high temperature circuit. This is brought about by a timing device which is driven by an electric motor I15. The motor is connected by a wire I16 to the control circuit return wire I13, and by a wire I'll to a normally closed switch I18. The switch is connected by a wire I19 to the control circuit lead wire Ill. The switch is actuated by the relay solenoid I62 and when this solenoid is energized, the switch I'l8 opens. When closed this switch establishes a circuit through the timing device motor I15 and thus sets the motor in operation. This motor I'l5 continues to operate as long as the machine remains stopped with service switch I I closed.

I The timing motor I operates a cam I82 which once in every revolution engages and closes a normally open cam switch I83. When the cam switch is closed electric energy from the control generator I6! flows along the wire IlI, a connecting wire I85, closed cam switch I83, 9. connecting wire I86, wire I12 into and through the relay solenoid I68 to temporarily energize this solenoid and thus close the high temperature switch I58. I

In practice the cam I82 is set to keep the cam switch I83 closed for a predetermined length of time, suchas, for example, a period of three minutes in every fifteen minute cycle. It has been found that such a setting will maintain the desired temperature in the adhesive applying intaglio roller.

In order to keep a check on the temperature of the intaglio roller, the thermostat BI is employed to energize the relay solenoid I68 at more frequent intervals than those set by the timing device in case the roller is unduly affected by outside temperatures. This is brought about by the clcsing of the normally open thermostat switch 84. For this purpose the wire 98 of the switch is connected to the wire I85 of the timing device circuit while the wire 99 of the switch is connected to the wire I'I'Z. Thus when the thermostat closes the switch 84, the cam switch I83 is by-passed or short-circuited and electric energy is permitted to flow through relay solenoid I68 to return it temporarily to an energized condition.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes maybe made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination receptacle for holding the adhesive, electric heating elements in a wall of said receptacle for heating said receptacle thereby maintaining the adhesive therein in a fluid condition, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, means for rotating said roller, and an automatic electric heating control means electrically connected to said heating elements and rotating means whereby the electric heating energy supplied to said elements is reduced to a predetermined minimum when said roller rotating means is stopped temporarily.

2. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination a receptacle for holding the adhesive, electric heating elements imbedded in the bottom and sides of said receptacle for heating said receptacle thereby maintaining the adhesive therein in a fluid condition, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, means for rotating said roller, and an automatic electric heating control means electrically connected to said heating elements and rotating means whereby the electric heating energy supreceptacle for removing hesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, and electric heating elements in said intaglio roller for maintaining said roller in a heated condition, means for rotating said roller, and an automatic electric heating control means electrically connected to said heating elements and rotating means whereby the electric heating energy supplied to said elements is reduced to a predetermined minimum when said roller rotating means is stopped temporarily.

4. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, electric heating elements insaid intaglio roller for maintaining said roller in a heated condition, electrical means for regulating said heating elements to maintain said roller at a predetermined high temperature during normal operation of said machine, and other electrical means for maintaining said roller at a predetermined low temperature while said roller is temporarily inoperative.

5. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a'web of material passed over said roller, and electric heating elements wrapped around said roller and imreceptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, electric heating elements in said intaglio roller for maintaining said roller in a heated condition, means for rotating said roller;

and an automatic electric heating control means L electrically connected to said heating elements and rotating means whereby the electric heating energy supplied to said elements is reduced to a predetermined minimum when said roller rotating means is stopped temporarily.

7. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, electric heating elements in said roller for maintaining the adhesive applying surface of said roller in a heated condition, and a thermostatic control unit embedded in said roller adjacent said surface for controlling said roller heating elements to maintain the roll within a predetermined range of temperatures.

8. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, electric heating elements in a wall of said receptacle for heating the receptacle to maintain the adhesive therein in a fluid condition, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for aptemperature for the elements when the machine is idle, and a thermostatic instrumentality located in said roller for increasing the flow of heating energy to said heating elements in the event that the temperature of said roller falls below a predetermined point. 9. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable roller located in said receptacle, a cylindrical intaglio sheath on the outer peripheral surface of said roller for removing the adhesive from said receptacle and for applying itto a web of material passed over said roller, peripherally disposed electric heating elements embedded in said roller immediately subjacent said sheath for maintaining the latter in a pre- 6 determined high temperature heated condition plying it to a web of material passed over said roller, electric heating elements in said intaglio roller for heating the same, means including an electric control circuit automatically established when the machine is set in motion to insure a relatively high temperature for said roller heating elements when the machine is in operation, a second circuit automatically established when the machine is stopped to maintain a reduced during normal operation of the machine, and automatic control means electrically connected with said heating elements for maintaining said sheath at a reduced temperature condition when the machine is inoperative.

10. A machine for applying thermoplastic adhesive in fluid form to web material, comprising in combination, a receptacle for holding the adhesive, a rotatable intaglio roller located in said receptacle for removing the adhesive therefrom and for applying it to a web of material passed over said roller, electric heating elements disposed within and adjacent the peripheral surface of said intaglio roller for normally maintaining said roller in a predetermined heated condition during operation of the machine, a plurality of electric circuits connecting said heating elements with a, source of electric energy, said source being capable of continuously supplying an electrical current of definite predetermined voltage and amperage, means connected with said circuits for conducting a predetermined maximum quantity of energy from one circuit and a predetermined minimum quantity of energy from another circuit to said roller heating elements from said source, and an automatic timing switch means in said circuits for periodically breaking one of said circuits and establishing the other, thereby maintaining said intaglio roller within a predetermined range of reduced heat when the machine is inoperative.

RONALD E. J. NORDQUIST. 

